British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume 47, Issue 6 , Pages 478-480, September 2009

High output chyle leak after neck surgery: the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

  • Khalid Abdel-Galil

      Affiliations

    • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Luke's Hospital, Little Horton Way, Bradford, BD5 0NA, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +44 1274 542200.
    • ,
  • Richard Milton

      Affiliations

    • Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St. James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK
    • Tel.: +44 113 2433144.
    • ,
  • James McCaul

      Affiliations

    • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Luke's Hospital, Little Horton Way, Bradford, BD5 0NA, UK
    • Tel.: +44 1274 542200.

Accepted 22 April 2009. published online 03 June 2009.

Abstract 

Injury to the thoracic duct leading to formation of a chylous fistula is an infrequent but serious complication of major neck surgery that can result in a prolonged stay in hospital, and may lead to fluid, electrolyte, protein, and immune disturbances. Healing can also be impaired. We describe a case where an excessive chylous leak also contributed to the failure of two free flaps in the same patient, and we make recommendations regarding management of patients with free tissue transfer where this complication arises.

Keywords: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, Thoracic duct, Chylous fistula

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PII: S0266-4356(09)00159-4

doi:10.1016/j.bjoms.2009.04.030

British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume 47, Issue 6 , Pages 478-480, September 2009

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